Understanding British English

Bridging the Gap Between the English Language and Its American Counterpart

Though English is the mother tongue in both America and Great Britain, the gap between American English and the language spoken in the British Isles remains formidable.

It is true that more and more Americanisms are finding their way into British speech and British usage has become increasingly familiar to Americans. But many words and phrases used on one side of the Atlantic might be Swahili to the other.

Understanding British English is a lexicon of words and phrases used abroad along with American definitions. For example: a "brolly" is an umbrella; "to be preggers" is to be pregnant; "lolly" means money; and "crisps" are merely potato chips.

This book serves a double purpose: it will be a major help to American travelers in England and, more than that, it is highly entertaining reading.